The Primate of the OCU appealed today to the faithful of the UOC-MP and asked them to act, and not wait for their leaders to decide to stop their silence and finally say something in defense of peace, in defense of Ukraine.
"Separately, I would like to appeal to the Orthodox brothers and sisters who belong to the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine. The Kremlin is expanding its aggression by using the rhetoric of "defending orthodoxy." Don't wait for your leaders to decide to stop their silence and finally say something in defense of peace, in defense of Ukraine – do it personally. The aggressor must hear and see that you are not waiting for him, do not need his troops and his power. This is a civil and Christian duty of each of you personally, " the statement of Metropolitan Epifanit reads.
He also appealed to all his fellow citizens:
"Ukraine is proud of interfaith and interethnic peace. No matter how much the Kremlin has tried to incite a confrontation over the years, it has failed to succeed. Together, we will not allow this inner peace to be violated even now. The Orthodox Church of Ukraine calls for preventing violence against the property of communities of the Moscow Patriarchate in Ukraine or supporters of the Russian Orthodox Church. If you witness specific illegal actions in the interests of the aggressor, including those covered up with religious slogans, act according to the law, contact law enforcement officers, and do not succumb to provocations. The enemy is only looking for a reason to justify its aggression, so our common task is to destroy its plans," the first hierarch of the OCU warns.
The Metropolitan urged everyone to maintain sobriety of spirit, restraint in words and actions, and not give in to fear:
"On our side is the truth, and therefore the Lord's help and victory."